Pricing for the refreshed 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron has been announced.

Combining the benefits of a hybrid with all-electric range, the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron continues to be powered by a 1.4-liter TFSI engine paired with a permanent magnet-driven electric motor for a combined system output of 204 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the little hybrid hatch is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds while offering over 43.5 cubic feet (1,232 liters) of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down.

New for 2017, the A3 Sportback e-tron comes with even more standard features including panoramic sunroof, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights with available e-tron signature LED headlights and standard driver assistance systems like Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front.

Pricing for the 2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron Premium starts from $39,850 in the U.S. including destination, while the Premium Plus model has a starting price of $42,950. At the top of the range is the Prestige with a price tag of $48,500. That marks a $1,055 increase over the 2016 model.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/08/2017-audi-a3-sportback-e-tron-adds-tech-gets-price-bump-to-39-850.html/feed0more]]>2016 Green Car of the Year Finalists Noticeably Missing Diesel Vehicleshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/10/2016-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-noticeably-missing-diesel-vehicles.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/10/2016-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-noticeably-missing-diesel-vehicles.html#commentsFri, 16 Oct 2015 12:45:14 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/?p=3460662016 Green Car of the Year Finalists Noticeably Missing Diesel VehiclesThe 2016 Green Car of the Year finalists have been announced and not a single diesel vehicle has been nominated. more]]>

The 2016 Green Car of the Year finalists have been announced and not a single diesel vehicle has been nominated this year.

After winning the award twice, Volkswagen diesel engines are nowhere to be seen this year and it’s no real surprise, considering the recent scandal. Green Car Journal recently stripped the German automaker of its past wins with the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and 2010 Audi A3 TDI.

For 2016, that means electrified vehicles, hybrids and even standard gasoline vehicles will lead the nominations for Green Car of the Year. As the 10th year for the award, it will be interesting to see if diesel vehicles make a return in the future. It’s worth noting that no diesel models were named finalists in 2013 either, but diesels have been popular in the awards for the past few years.

Audi A3 e-tron

The Audi A3 e-tron is a plug-in hybrid sporting a 1.4-liter TFSI engine and an electric motor with a combined system output of 204 horsepower and an all-electric range of up to 19 miles. Standard on the five-door hatchback is front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor itself provides 102 hp while the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine churns 150 hp once it takes over.

Chevrolet Volt

The 2016 Chevrolet Volt is a new plug-in hybrid that builds on the success of the first-generation model. With an all-electric range of 53 miles, the Volt is capable of traveling up to 420 miles on a full charge and tank of gas. Owners taking delivery later this year can expect to go more than 1,000 miles between fill ups by charging regularly. The 1.5-liter engine generates 101 hp and the powertrain is 100 pounds lighter than its predecessor while combined electrical power from the two electric motors is at 149 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque.

Honda Civic

One of the two standard gasoline models on the list, the new Honda Civic is completely new and will feature two all-new four-cylinder engines. One engine will be a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder mill, while the other is a 1.5-liter turbocharged unit. According to Honda, the base 2.0-liter engine will be good for 158 hp while the turbocharged engine delivers 174 ponies. Although the Japanese automaker hasn’t revealed fuel economy figures just yet, the company claims it will get more than 40 mpg on the highway, thanks to a 12-percent improvement in aerodynamics.

Hyundai Sonata

The entire Hyundai Sonata family is being nominated this year, including the Sonata Hybrid and Sonata Plug-in Hybrid models. The Sonata Hybrid SE delivers 40 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway while the Hybrid Limited model is slightly less at 39 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. The hybrid powertrain provides a total system output of 193 hp. The standard gasoline Hyundai Sonata can be had in an Eco model sporting a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 178 hp while returning 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

As for the Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid, its gasoline engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 154 hp while the electric motor generates 67 hp for a total system output of 202 hp. It has an all-electric range up to 27 miles and delivers 99 MPGe.

Toyota Prius

The 2016 Toyota Prius is another all-new model and the Japanese automaker has stayed relatively quiet on exact specifications despite its unveiling earlier last month. What we do know is that it will continue to be powered by a 1.8-liter hybrid powertrain that has been completely re-engineered to deliver an estimated 10-percent improvement in EPA estimated mpg on the core models. Toyota will also offer an Eco model that will return even better fuel economy. To compare, the current Toyota Prius returns 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg on the highway.

The 2016 Green Car of the Year winner will be announced at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The 2016 Audi A3 e-tron will start from $38,795 including destination.

The German automaker has added the model to its official website, with the A3 Sportback e-tron being the company’s first e-tron offering for the market. Combining a 1.4-liter TFSI engine with an electric motor, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle has a combined system output of 204 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, getting a total range of more than 400 highway miles. Owners will be able to choose from four different driving modes: EV, Hybrid, Hold Battery and Charge Battery.

Giving it a different appearance compared to the standard A3, the e-tron variant has a unique S line front bumper, e-tron grille, S line side skirts, integrated roof spoiler and a unique rear bumper and exhaust. Of course, there’s e-tron badges throughout the exterior of the vehicle.

The pricing also doesn’t include possible federal and state tax incentives. Expect the 2016 Audi A3 e-tron to arrive dealerships in mid-October.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2015/08/2016-audi-a3-e-tron-priced-from-38-795.html/feed0more]]>2015 Audi A3, S3 Make North American Debut in LAhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2015-audi-a3-s3-make-north-american-debut-in-la.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2015-audi-a3-s3-make-north-american-debut-in-la.html#commentsThu, 21 Nov 2013 00:10:47 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=2225732015 Audi A3, S3 Make North American Debut in LAToday at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi introduce its newest family of cars with the A3 lineup. The German automaker plans on rolling out the entire lineup over the course of the next 18 months which will include the standard A3 sedan, the more powerful and sportier S3 sedan, the A3 Cabriolet and... more]]>

Today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi introduce its newest family of cars with the A3 lineup.

The German automaker plans on rolling out the entire lineup over the course of the next 18 months which will include the standard A3 sedan, the more powerful and sportier S3 sedan, the A3 Cabriolet and the A3 e-tron, a hatchback plug-in hybrid. Kicking off the launch in spring 2014 will be the A3 sedan, priced from $30,795 including destination. It will then be joined in the fall by the A3 Cabriolet, A3 TDI clean diesel sedan, S3 sedan in early 2015 and the A3 Sportback e-tron last.

All powertrains will be mated to a six-speed S tronic transmission and the A3 lineup will for the first time come with an available Audi drive select system. The system allows drivers to select and adjust throttle response, shift points and the electromechanical steering effort.

“We aren’t just bringing one new car to market, we’re launching an entire new family of cars that will add to our momentum in the U.S. marketplace,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This A3 line-up redefines the standards of the entry premium market in terms of technology, craftsmanship and performance.”

GALLERY: Audi A3 Sedan

GALLERY: Audi S3 Sedan

GALLERY: Audi A3 Cabriolet

GALLERY: Audi A3 e-tron

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2015-audi-a3-s3-make-north-american-debut-in-la.html/feed1more]]>2015 Audi A3 to Make LA Auto Show Debuthttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2015-audi-a3-to-make-la-auto-show-debut.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/11/2015-audi-a3-to-make-la-auto-show-debut.html#commentsMon, 18 Nov 2013 13:10:30 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=2223172015 Audi A3 to Make LA Auto Show DebutThe 2015 Audi A3 will finally make its North American debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show this week. The compact sedan is aimed to compete against the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. Starting from $30,885 the 2015 Audi A3 sedan will come with a panoramic glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces and bi-xenon headlights. SEE ALSO:... more]]>

The 2015 Audi A3 will finally make its North American debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show this week.

The compact sedan is aimed to compete against the new Mercedes-Benz CLA. Starting from $30,885 the 2015 Audi A3 sedan will come with a panoramic glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces and bi-xenon headlights.

The standard engine on the Audi A3 sedan will be a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 hp, while a trio of 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines will be available as an option: a pair of gasoline engines and a sole diesel option. The diesel will output 150 hp while the S3 is expected to have around 300 hp. The German automaker is expected to share more details on the available powerplants when the vehicle makes its debut at the 2013 LA Auto Show.

Joining the sedan model at the show will be the Audi A3 e-tron, a plug-in hybrid that appeals to the hatchback fans.